9Dragons Peek #10

Share.

Among the varied factions you can join in Indy21's game, the Heavenly Demon clan is said to be the most nefarious

By IGN Staff

Developed during the latter portion of the Ming Dynasty, Tang Lang Ch'uan, the Northern Praying Mantis style of kung fu, is relatively new by the standards of Chinese martial arts. It is generally thought to have originated around 1600 AD, founded by a boxer named Wang Lang. Seeking to improve his skills, he had journeyed from his home in Shantung province to the Shaolin temple at Honan. While there, he happened to witness a battle in which a mantis defeated a far larger opponent, a cicada. Hoping to learn from the insect, the fighter took it back to his quarters and studied its movements, combining them with his previous training and footwork derived from the monkey style. His students adapted a number of variants bearing picturesque names such as Plum Blossom, Seven Stars, Secret Door, Jade Ring, Six Harmony and Dragging Hand.

Slated to launch in the North American market later this year, 9Dragons is a martial arts-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game set during a period of great turmoil when China's great clans were forced to rely upon their unique philosophies and the related fighting techniques for survival. Already a hit in Korea, the home market for developer Indy21, it has a total of nine factions players can join. One is the famed Shaolin, who are associated with the praying mantis style. Five others are the Wu-Tang, Gai-Pan, Lu-Lin, Mi-Gong and Mo-Jiao. Ever since we found out that Acclaim Games was making plans to bring the title to this market, with Persistent Worlds as its European counterpart, our interest in knowing more about it has grown steadily, which has prompted us to continue seeking further information about various features and elements.

If you were with us yesterday, you would have gotten a good sense of how authentic the game of 9Dragons is. I told you about the Shaolin, and the lengths that the game designers have gone to in order to reflect a true feeling of ancient China - even down to having to shave your head in order to enter the temple. Well, the other clans in 9Dragons are no less authentic. And to keep with that faithfulness, I shall introduce some "yang" to go with the Shaolin "yin". If the Shaolin are the ideal representation of "good" in this ancient land, then the Heavenly Demon are the exact opposite!

Heavenly Demon's preferred weapon is the fearsome sabre. While this is nowhere near as elegant or versatile as a double-edged sword, its benefit lies in the sheer bloody destruction a heavy blow can cause.

You need to know a little about the history of this black clan. The Heavenly Demon clan was founded by an ambitious warrior. In fact, he was so ambitious that he challenged the Imperial Emperor himself - not a smart move! This warrior, who called himself The Emperor Heavenly Demon, had been brought up in the Zorastrian temple, but instead chose to enter the cult of devil worship under the teachings of Anra Mainyu. Choosing the path of evil, he was cast out of the Zorastrian temple. He found himself a base in the mountains, and over time, recruited many disciples to his alternative black philosophy. Eventually, he became strong enough to challenge the Imperial Emperor himself. But his pursuit of ultimate power was interrupted by the War of the Nine Dragons.

RPG Vault 9Dragons Week - Heavenly Demon#1

During this conflict, which cast a dark spell over all of China, Emperor Heavenly Demon suddenly disappeared. Perhaps the Imperial Emperor's assassins finally got to him, or perhaps there is a deeper story. Regardless, all that was left was a message to his followers that he would come back one day.

RPG Vault 9Dragons Week - Heavenly Demon#2

Disciples of Heavenly Demon dispersed across all of China to await the return of their master. However, they were all still followers of the black arts, and remained resentful of the Imperial Emperor and all the white clans that uphold his will. But without a leader to direct this hatred, the clan is lost and directionless. Without a clear external goal, internal strife is tearing the clan apart. Every single member is ambitious and willing to do anything to climb past the others. Only the strong survive, so watch your back.

RPG Vault 9Dragons Week - Heavenly Demon#3

But enough history. What can I tell you of the clan itself? First, that the leaders rule the members through pure fear. Blind loyalty is enforced through severe punishments. Hatred is the fuel that keeps them going. Failure is punished with total ruthlessness. I think you get the picture.

RPG Vault 9Dragons Week - Heavenly Demon#4

And what of their kung fu? Well, Heavenly Demon's martial arts style is a combination of traditional fighting styles and occult practices. Their style is known as the Bloody Hands Technique, and strikes fear into their enemies. Heavenly Demon's preferred weapon is the fearsome sabre. While this is nowhere near as elegant or versatile as a double-edged sword, its benefit lies in the sheer bloody destruction a heavy blow can cause. The fighting style is fast and furious with the emphasis on attack, not defense. Only the Wu-Tang Clan has a greater reputation for fighting.

So, my friend, after two days, you have seen a glimpse of the good and the evil within the 9Dragon clans. Tomorrow, I shall stay with the evil side and discuss the Sacred Flower - a black clan with an unusual twist!

Ken Johnston for Persistent Worlds and Acclaim Based on the lore created by Steven-Elliot Altman

If you would like to register for beta testing or want more information, you can visit www.9dragonsgame.com if you are located in North America, or www.9dragonsonline.com if you are in Europe.